Speaker
Description
Addressing the pressing need for space debris mitigation, and thanks to ESA ARTES funding, Argotec and ABSL jointly developed a novel End-of-Life management system optimized for small-satellites constellations: the first technology demonstrator has been developed and is known as European Reconfigurable Battery Unplugging System (EReBUS).
The project delved into the development of standardized and widely compatible avionics product specifically designed to meet necessary conditions for the safe end-of-mission passivation of Li-ion battery cells, accordingly to applicable regulations. The ultimate goal is to provide a sustainable and reliable COTS solution for small satellites and constellations, aligning with Space Debris Mitigation requirements and ensuring the safety of future missions, particularly in the realm of small telecom spacecraft.
The project encompasses two primary facets: the electronic passivation system and its compatibility with Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) 18650 Li-ion cells. The electronic passivation system serves as a critical component, seamlessly integrating with the satellite's power management system. Throughout the satellite's operational life, this system operates transparently. When the satellite reaches the end of its mission life, the reprogrammable control logic triggers redundant relay-based switches, isolating the battery from the avionics platform and subsequently managing its safe discharge. Upon the completion of the discharge phase, the battery is completely isolated. A comprehensive passivation test campaign has been conducted, simulating real-world scenarios and demonstrating the battery's passivation behavior under varying environmental conditions, including worst-case scenarios.
On the Li-ion battery front, our project entails the selection and testing of two distinct types of Li-ion cells tailored to suit both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) applications. Over the past year, rigorous accelerated and mission-representative cycling tests have been conducted. For each cell type, four 2s2p-sized modules have been meticulously manufactured, ready for testing under a range of conditions.
Furthermore, our project includes abuse tests to investigate the safety mechanisms of the system when subjected to extreme conditions. These tests encompass scenarios such as over-discharge, over-charge, external short-circuits, and over-temperature conditions.
